John Chase
@johnchase.bsky.social
Deputy Metro Editor/Politics @chicagotribune. Alum BGA. An editor on 2022 Pulitzer Prize winner for local journalism. Co-author of "Golden, How Rod Blagojevich Talked Himself Out Of The Governor's Office And Into Prison." Haven't left Twitter...yet.
Reposted by John Chase
Well-funded potential challengers already circling Mayor Brandon Johnson. He’s seen as weak and vulnerable, his union support divided by SEIU-CTU beef. Not as done as some fantasize, but he is in real trouble.
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/18/w...
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/18/w...
Well-funded potential challengers already circling Mayor Brandon Johnson
A large and growing field of candidates is angling to take out Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is seen as very beatable.
www.chicagotribune.com
January 18, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Well-funded potential challengers already circling Mayor Brandon Johnson. He’s seen as weak and vulnerable, his union support divided by SEIU-CTU beef. Not as done as some fantasize, but he is in real trouble.
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/18/w...
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/18/w...
A reminder for Bears fans and reporters to behave yourselves this weekend. Don’t want a repeat of this even though it is absolutely fantastic.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=CCyd...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=CCyd...
Chicago Bears 1986 Playoff Loss JOHN DRUMMOND WBBM TV
YouTube video by Ironworker Jeff
m.youtube.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:24 AM
A reminder for Bears fans and reporters to behave yourselves this weekend. Don’t want a repeat of this even though it is absolutely fantastic.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=CCyd...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=CCyd...
Reposted by John Chase
I reached out to Hilton Hotels about the costs of housing ICE and Border Patrol agents in the Chicago area for this story, after there were protests at their properties. They never got back to me. But now they are canceling reservations for ICE in Minnesota
January 5, 2026 at 7:46 PM
I reached out to Hilton Hotels about the costs of housing ICE and Border Patrol agents in the Chicago area for this story, after there were protests at their properties. They never got back to me. But now they are canceling reservations for ICE in Minnesota
Thanks for reposting @hcrichardson.bsky.social. An important story that got overlooked a bit this weekend with all the other news.
How much has Operation Midway Blitz cost the federal government so far? The Trump administration isn't saying, so for the @chicagotribune.com I came up with a rough -- but conservative -- estimate of $59 million and counting. Check out more at this gift link www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
Cost of Operation Midway Blitz: $59M and counting
A Tribune review of court filings, databases and other public records detailing the scope of the incursion and typical costs shows how much the federal government has spent since September.
www.chicagotribune.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Thanks for reposting @hcrichardson.bsky.social. An important story that got overlooked a bit this weekend with all the other news.
Reposted by John Chase
How much has Operation Midway Blitz cost the federal government so far? The Trump administration isn't saying, so for the @chicagotribune.com I came up with a rough -- but conservative -- estimate of $59 million and counting. Check out more at this gift link www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
Cost of Operation Midway Blitz: $59M and counting
A Tribune review of court filings, databases and other public records detailing the scope of the incursion and typical costs shows how much the federal government has spent since September.
www.chicagotribune.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:24 PM
How much has Operation Midway Blitz cost the federal government so far? The Trump administration isn't saying, so for the @chicagotribune.com I came up with a rough -- but conservative -- estimate of $59 million and counting. Check out more at this gift link www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
The Trump admin refuses to detail how much the immigration enforcement process in Illinois — Operation Midway Blitz — costs. So we looked at the numbers and came up with a conservative accounting: $59 million and growing. By @danvock.bsky.social. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
Cost of Operation Midway Blitz: $59M and counting
A Tribune review of court filings, databases and other public records detailing the scope of the incursion and typical costs shows how much the federal government has spent since September.
www.chicagotribune.com
January 4, 2026 at 5:54 PM
The Trump admin refuses to detail how much the immigration enforcement process in Illinois — Operation Midway Blitz — costs. So we looked at the numbers and came up with a conservative accounting: $59 million and growing. By @danvock.bsky.social. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/o...
Reposted by John Chase
The payments to Jonathan Jackson’s 3 I Roadwork Inc. began in the year after he endorsed Gov. JB Pritzker’s first bid for governor in 2018. That endorsement came months after Pritzker’s campaign quietly hired Jackson as a $13,000-per-month political consultant.
Before Congress, Jonathan Jackson owned a construction firm. It got $750K from Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois.
State-funded work came after Jonathan Jackson was paid as a $13,000-a-month consultant for JB Pritzker’s 2018 campaign for governor.
trib.al
December 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM
The payments to Jonathan Jackson’s 3 I Roadwork Inc. began in the year after he endorsed Gov. JB Pritzker’s first bid for governor in 2018. That endorsement came months after Pritzker’s campaign quietly hired Jackson as a $13,000-per-month political consultant.
Latest from veteran reporters Chuck Neubauer and Sandy Bergo -- the political ties between US Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Gov. JB Pritzker. Before Congress, Jackson worked for JB's campaign and later got $750k in state funds for a construction co he owned: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/21/j...
The $750,000 grant: Why Jonathan Jackson’s construction firm received funding from Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois
State-funded work came after Jonathan Jackson was paid as a $13,000-a-month consultant for JB Pritzker’s 2018 campaign for governor.
www.chicagotribune.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Latest from veteran reporters Chuck Neubauer and Sandy Bergo -- the political ties between US Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Gov. JB Pritzker. Before Congress, Jackson worked for JB's campaign and later got $750k in state funds for a construction co he owned: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/21/j...
It’s fun when the Bears win.
December 21, 2025 at 1:37 PM
It’s fun when the Bears win.
So the kids are into Wolf Parade? Lots more where that came from Gen Z!
December 21, 2025 at 12:06 AM
So the kids are into Wolf Parade? Lots more where that came from Gen Z!
Operation Midway Blitz winding down in Chicago, sources say www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/10/f...
Federal Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino and agents said to be leaving Chicago, sources say
Cmdr. Gregory Bovino was expected to depart Chicago within days, while most Border Patrol agents under this command would soon be redeployed elsewhere, three sources told the Tribune Monday.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Operation Midway Blitz winding down in Chicago, sources say www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/10/f...
Attys alleging Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino violated a court’s restraining order when he personally threw tear gas canisters during an immigration enforcement action in Chicago’s Little Village this morning
They included this still image:
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/f...
They included this still image:
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/f...
October 23, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Attys alleging Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino violated a court’s restraining order when he personally threw tear gas canisters during an immigration enforcement action in Chicago’s Little Village this morning
They included this still image:
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/f...
They included this still image:
Story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/f...
More than 37k residential properties on South and West sides -- in neighborhoods that can least afford it -- are set to see their property tax bills skyrocket due to increased assessments. @adquig.bsky.social and @alexnitkin.bsky.social with Tribune and @illinoisanswers.bsky.social t.co/HPvffZVsJ1
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/21/tax-hikes-loom-for-south-west-side-homeowners/
t.co
September 21, 2025 at 4:08 PM
More than 37k residential properties on South and West sides -- in neighborhoods that can least afford it -- are set to see their property tax bills skyrocket due to increased assessments. @adquig.bsky.social and @alexnitkin.bsky.social with Tribune and @illinoisanswers.bsky.social t.co/HPvffZVsJ1
Among those handcuffed in a video promoted by DHS Sec’y Kristi Noem on X is Joe Botello, an AMERICAN citizen. @chicagotribune.com photog @staceywescott.bsky.social was there and we spoke to him. He was later released and “blessed that I’m still alive." Story: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/16/e...
US citizen says he was briefly detained in latest Chicago-area ICE blitz
An Elgin man who was born in Texas said he was handcuffed and placed in a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol vehicle, as part of the latest Chicago-area ICE blitz.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 16, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Among those handcuffed in a video promoted by DHS Sec’y Kristi Noem on X is Joe Botello, an AMERICAN citizen. @chicagotribune.com photog @staceywescott.bsky.social was there and we spoke to him. He was later released and “blessed that I’m still alive." Story: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/16/e...
From Washington, @danvock.bsky.social with a look at what might be in store for Chicago as soon as this week. “There’s this never-ending feeling of surveillance, fear and anxiety and then wondering, ‘What am I supposed to do about it?” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/31/t...
President Trump’s takeover of Washington, D.C., offers insights on what could be in store for Chicago
As the prospect of President Trump sending a surge of federal forces to Chicago rises daily, the Washington occupation provides insights into what a Chicago incursion could entail.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 31, 2025 at 6:51 PM
From Washington, @danvock.bsky.social with a look at what might be in store for Chicago as soon as this week. “There’s this never-ending feeling of surveillance, fear and anxiety and then wondering, ‘What am I supposed to do about it?” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/31/t...
A CTA-focused North Side TIF dist has generated $400 million. And it’s still pretty new. Will Chicago use it for the next 20-plus years to pay off bills or shut it down once it pays off its CTA work? @adquig.bsky.social w/ a story you won’t read anywhere else: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/22/c...
As CTA tax district rakes in huge amount of taxpayer money, decision looms over what to do with it
A North Side tax district is on track to pay off a major facelift of four CTA stations and the century-old infrastructure connecting them way ahead of schedule.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 22, 2025 at 1:53 PM
A CTA-focused North Side TIF dist has generated $400 million. And it’s still pretty new. Will Chicago use it for the next 20-plus years to pay off bills or shut it down once it pays off its CTA work? @adquig.bsky.social w/ a story you won’t read anywhere else: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/22/c...
Two weeks after arriving in ILL over the Texas remap fight, @jamestalarico.bsky.social spoke at Trinity church on the South Side (Barack Obama's old church). A rising Democratic political star, @olivia0.bsky.social spoke to him about the saga and its impact: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/17/t...
Texas Rep. James Talarico delivers South Side sermon as gerrymandering battle heightens profiles
Texas state Rep. James Talarico received almost a familiar welcome as he delivered a rare politician-led sermon to the historic Trinity United Church of Christ on the South Side.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Two weeks after arriving in ILL over the Texas remap fight, @jamestalarico.bsky.social spoke at Trinity church on the South Side (Barack Obama's old church). A rising Democratic political star, @olivia0.bsky.social spoke to him about the saga and its impact: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/17/t...
This is a key week for public broadcasting as the Senate prepares to vote on Trump's proposed cuts. The impact will be felt everywhere, but especially in downstate communities where public broadcasting is the primary source of news. By @danvock.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/16/i...
Illinois public broadcasters in Chicago, and especially downstate, fear impact as Senate vote to cut funding looms
While Chicago-area public media outlets WBEZ and WTTW will get hurt if the Senate OK’s cuts, smaller stations in rural areas would get hit harder.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 16, 2025 at 1:45 PM
This is a key week for public broadcasting as the Senate prepares to vote on Trump's proposed cuts. The impact will be felt everywhere, but especially in downstate communities where public broadcasting is the primary source of news. By @danvock.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/16/i...
Pregnant and in Chicago w/o legal immigration status, Daniela Sigala isn’t sure her son will be a US citizen. Today’s Sunday read explores SCOTUS decision impact & Trump efforts on birthright citizenship by @nellsalzman.bsky.social and @danvock.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/06/s...
Supreme Court ruling casts doubt on birthright citizenship for immigrant families in Chicago
High court’s decision fuels uncertainty about whether babies born to immigrants lacking legal immigration status will be considered American citizens, despite 14th Amendment.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Pregnant and in Chicago w/o legal immigration status, Daniela Sigala isn’t sure her son will be a US citizen. Today’s Sunday read explores SCOTUS decision impact & Trump efforts on birthright citizenship by @nellsalzman.bsky.social and @danvock.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/06/s...
So @adquig.bsky.social and David Jackson at @injusticewatch.org have been writing about the troubled Tyler Technologies Cook County contract for months & now the political finger-pointing. 10s of millions over budget and delays. Latest in @chicagotribune.com: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/03/c...
Cook County’s troubled tech overhaul boils over, as political leaders start pointing fingers
The latest delays to the Cook County property tax system upgrade by controversial contractor Tyler Technologies is leading to fighting among county leaders.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
So @adquig.bsky.social and David Jackson at @injusticewatch.org have been writing about the troubled Tyler Technologies Cook County contract for months & now the political finger-pointing. 10s of millions over budget and delays. Latest in @chicagotribune.com: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/03/c...
So @govpritzker.illinois.gov picks former lawmaker and deputy gov Christian Mitchell as his lt gov running mate as Pritzker runs for third term as current Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton is running for US Senate. Developing story from @jeremygorner.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/01/g...
Gov. JB Pritzker selects former deputy governor Christian Mitchell as running mate
A former lawmaker and deputy governor, Christian Mitchell now oversees civic engagement at the University of Chicago. Current Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton is running for US Senate.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM
So @govpritzker.illinois.gov picks former lawmaker and deputy gov Christian Mitchell as his lt gov running mate as Pritzker runs for third term as current Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton is running for US Senate. Developing story from @jeremygorner.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/01/g...
Mayor Johnson’s inner circle worked with outside lobbyists not registered to lobby on behalf of the city in the General Assembly, a practice defended because their contracts were “pending.” @aliceyin.bsky.social, @jeremygorner.bsky.social, @adquig.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/30/m...
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ‘pending’ Springfield lobbyist team draws ethics questions
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new lead Springfield IGA director John Arena argued those lobbyists did not need to register because their contracts with the city were still “pending.”
www.chicagotribune.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Mayor Johnson’s inner circle worked with outside lobbyists not registered to lobby on behalf of the city in the General Assembly, a practice defended because their contracts were “pending.” @aliceyin.bsky.social, @jeremygorner.bsky.social, @adquig.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/30/m...
So @govpritzker.illinois.gov is hiring. Some on the short list to be lt gov: Deputy Gov Andy Manar, ex-Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, and state Rep. Lisa Hernandez. Story by @olivia0.bsky.social, @rick-pearson.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/30/g...
Gov. JB Pritzker is running for reelection. Who will he pick as his No. 2?
The job of Illinois lieutenant governor will become vacant with the current occupant, Juliana Stratton, running to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
www.chicagotribune.com
June 30, 2025 at 1:27 PM
So @govpritzker.illinois.gov is hiring. Some on the short list to be lt gov: Deputy Gov Andy Manar, ex-Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, and state Rep. Lisa Hernandez. Story by @olivia0.bsky.social, @rick-pearson.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/30/g...
On Thursday, @govpritzker.illinois.gov will announce he's running for a third term as Illinois governor. Story by @rick-pearson.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/24/p...
Gov. JB Pritzker running for a third term in 2026, but remains mum about presidential bid
JB Pritzker’s decision to run for governor again settles a significant issue for next year’s election season, where candidates will be vying for an open US Senate seat as well as several in C…
www.chicagotribune.com
June 24, 2025 at 3:43 PM
On Thursday, @govpritzker.illinois.gov will announce he's running for a third term as Illinois governor. Story by @rick-pearson.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/24/p...
When a tech firm -- whose 3 govt contracts have ballooned to $265M -- needed help they hired lobbyist Jay Doherty. He was later convicted in the ComEd 4 case. Folo of joint @chicagotribune.com/@injusticewatch.org by David Jackson & @adquig.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/11/c...
Troubled Cook County tech firm used insider lobbyist who was later convicted in ComEd corruption scheme
Tyler Technologies’ major Cook County contracts – peppered with delays and cost overruns – were shepherded by lobbyist Jay Doherty, who is set to be sentenced in unrelated utility scandal.…
www.chicagotribune.com
June 11, 2025 at 3:53 PM
When a tech firm -- whose 3 govt contracts have ballooned to $265M -- needed help they hired lobbyist Jay Doherty. He was later convicted in the ComEd 4 case. Folo of joint @chicagotribune.com/@injusticewatch.org by David Jackson & @adquig.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/11/c...